I need to work on perfecting the military salute

Gautam Gambhir

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Updated: May 01, 2013 09:11 IST

The one good thing about travelling is that I can catch up on reading. Recently, I laid my hands on a book titled, 'Holding Court', which talks about all that happens during Wimbledon, as the cover suggests.

It is written by Chris Gorringe, the former chief executive of the All England Lawn Tennis Club. I've only gone as further as the foreword and it looks to be a good prospect.

I am sure there will be some locker room stuff involving some of my favourite players like Stefan Edberg, Ivan Lendl, Boris Becker, Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi. Let's see, shall keep you all posted.

Sight to beholdBy the way, five of us went to the CRPF Chhattisgarh battalion on Tuesday morning. You know how excited I am when it comes to an interaction with the armed forces or anyone in such a position.

So, when it was proposed that we were doing this, I was excited and wanted to be with the CRPF jawans in no time.

The first thing I liked was the fatigues the CRPF men were in. I love them and its something that these men have earned. 'Men in uniform' is always a sight and here we were amongst 500 uniform-clad men.

I always had a secret wish which I've never shared but will do so here. I want to learn the genuine and the most authentic defence-forces' salute.

I've tried it a few times watching the January 26 parade on TV but I don't think I am there yet. I was hesitant and a little ashamed to ask the IGP, Chhattisgarh, CRPF, Zulfiquar Hasan to teach me. Maybe, next time.

It is tough to imagine that these brave men withstand the heat of this region, wearing all that they have to and also carrying ammunition, which is heavy as well.

What’s neededIt was again a realisation that we should make it mandatory to send our young men to serve in the armed forces for at least a year. It is high time we considered that.

Unfortunately, in our society and system we tend to take things for granted and that includes our armed forces. Sad.

I'll try to push this idea in my own way. Perhaps, I can begin by pushing this through HT's initiative of 'you read they learn', which completes its first year today.